Civic Communications Specialist
833 Boonville
Springfield, MO 65802
417-862-9284
burtond@missouri.edu
October 30, 2009
What Should a Gardener do With Leftover Pesticides?
Most homeowners with a lawn or garden use some pesticides to help control a few pesky critters. Generally, those pesticides are not completely used during a growing season and are kept for future use.
"Carryover of the pesticide will require some special attention to insure the safety of the product and effective use of the product in the future," said Patrick Byers, horticulture specialist, University of Missouri Extension.
Effective handling should include consideration of proper pesticide disposal, proper and safe storage of a pesticide until it is needed next year, proper labeling of a pesticide not in an original container and the shelf life of the pesticide.
Byers also offered his insight to the following questions about leftover pesticides.
Question: I have some pesticides left over from last year. What should I do with them if I have no use for them in the future?
Answer: "If you know the product is good and you have no use for it in the future, maybe a neighbor can use it. Be sure and give it to the user with the label so they will know how to properly use the product. Another option is to dispose of the leftovers at a local household hazardous substance recall event or drop off site," said Byers.
Q: When storing pesticides for use next year, are there any special precautions in regard to storage temperatures?
A: "The effect of different external conditions may be different for different products. Generally, the label will remind the user how the product should be stored. But if in doubt, always keep the product above freezing temperatures. If you know your garage freezes during extreme cold conditions, this may not be the best place to store your chemicals. Low temperatures generally do not affect wettable powder and granule products," said Byers.
Q: Can moisture conditions adversely affect pesticides?
A: "Moisture can wreak havoc on wettable powder and granule products used as pesticides. Caking is caused by moisture and can lead to chemical changes that may reduce effectiveness. Keeping these products dry should be the primary concern," said Byers.
Q: If pesticide contents must be transferred from its original container to another, should any special precautions be taken?
A: "If it is necessary to transfer the contents to a new container, the original label should be transferred and attached as well. Generally, the label includes guidelines on disposal of containers. Triple rinsing and using the rinsate is usual for plastic or glass containers. For paper or foil packaging, the container label will describe disposal. If there are no guidelines, the packaging should be considered as hazardous and disposed of at an approved hazardous waste collection point," said Byers.
Q: Do most chemical pesticides have a shelf life?
A: "Yes, most chemicals do have a shelf life when they are most effective. Anywhere from two years and more can be expected. Factors affecting the shelf life may be the composition of the product and storage conditions. For instance, Roundup may be good for two or more years.
If you need additional gardening and horticultural advice, contact the Master Gardener Hotline in Greene County at (417) 862-9284.
Source: Patrick Byers (417) 862-9284
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